An art gallery in London asked us to produce 10 sets of these floor plate models to help artists design upcoming shows. Each set consisted of 3 storeys and showed the circulation routes and available floor and wall space on each level so that the artist could plan the positions of paintings or other exhibits in their show. At 1:20 scale the floor plans are very large so we designed a flat-pack solution which allowed the artists to take the three floor layouts as portable kits that could be easily assembled at a later date. We created our own CAD files for all components and then laser cut the floors and walls out of 5mm acrylic. Stairwells, WCs and other facilities were indicated by laser-engraved lines on the floor plates.

A “Drivetrain”, in case you were wondering, is the component that harnesses the power from the revolving blades of a wind turbine – it’s the machinery the blades are connected to at the top of the tower, normally hidden under a cowling. This particular model was commissioned for use as an eye catching display at trade shows and exhibitions. It was designed to illustrate the flexible, modular nature of the client’s product which could be easily adapted for different types of wind turbine. Taking the real thing along wasn’t really an option due to its massive size and weight. If you click on the images to enlarge them, you’ll see the outline of a standing figure which gives a sense of the machine’s real life dimensions. At 1:20 scale we were able to show a plenty of realistic detail, including individual nuts and bolts and the huge single disc brake with four callipers on the back face of the model.

We actually completed these models last month, a week ahead of schedule and they are now about to head off abroad, two to China and one to Brazil. They are part of an order for four identical 1:20 scale models, the first of which was completed and delivered before Christmas. If you click on the images to enlarge them, you’ll be able to see the high level of detail we can achieve at this large scale (the models are over a metre long). We made a similar model for the client over a year ago and it generated such a positive response from their overseas colleagues that they’ve come back to us for more.

After sending five models to Russia last month we’ve just received a new multiple export order – two models for Brazil, one for China... and one up the M6 to Stafford where the client’s UK facility is based. The orders are for four identical 1:20 scale industrial transformer models similar to the one illustrated above. We actually made this model for the client last year and it generated such a positive response from their overseas colleagues that they’ve come back to us for more. As part of the project we’ll be supplying specially made shipping crates to protect them on their travels.

When there isn’t the budget for a full colour, realistically detailed model, sometimes this monochromatic, white styled approach is a viable alternative. At 1:20 scale, this model is only 150mm high but with clear acrylic shelves and a matt white general finish, it provides an instantly understandable 3D representation of the unit. We’ve even been able to show the fine perforations in the curving roof panel.

"Steven’s studio is a pleasure to work with. He does excellent work and he always delivers on time. I would be happy to recommend him to anyone.”Jonathan Adams
(Architect for Wales Millennium Centre)
Capita Percy Thomas“Thanks very much to all the team for producing such an excellent model, the attention to detail is fantastic. I look forward to working with you again.”Carolyn Merrifield
Holder Mathias Architects“Modelmakers’ models are of fantastic quality, and allow us to sell our properties more effectively from plan. Not only are the team courteous and helpful, they produce the goods on time, and importantly are competitively priced.”Holly Finer
Redrow Homes“The attention to detail and quality is exemplary and we would just like to thank you and your team for the care and effort you’ve put in. As a practice we will definitely bear you in mind if ever we are requiring models built in the future.”Kelvin Naidoo
Bryden Wood Associates
Architects and Designers for Manufacture